“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament. (Answer in 150 words)

Women are neither a numerical minority nor a homogeneous backward class, yet patriarchy and institutional barriers produce persistent political under-representation; affirmative action therefore advances substantive equality.

Article 15(3) permits special provisions for women, while political equality requires presence in decision-making, not merely equal voting rights. Reservation addresses structural exclusion, party gatekeeping and unequal access to resources.

The 73rd and 74th Amendments inserted Articles 243D and 243T, reserving at least one-third of seats and chairperson offices in Panchayats and Municipalities, including SC/ST-reserved seats; many States raised this to 50%. The 106th Amendment, 2023 inserted Articles 330A and 332A for one-third reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, including Delhi under Article 239AA, linked to delimitation and census conditions.

Local reservations created a pipeline of women leaders and improved descriptive representation, but proxy participation and rotation remain concerns. Parliamentary reservation must be accompanied by party tickets, capacity building, intersectional inclusion and real decision-making power.

Article 15(3); Articles 243D and 243T; 73rd Amendment; 74th Amendment; 106th Amendment; Articles 330A and 332A; substantive equality